Buckley nursing home residents visited by circus performers

RESIDENTS at a nursing home received a surprise visit from a troupe of circus performers – and a llama was the star of the show.

Clowns and a circus llama dropped in on residents at Lexham Green Care Home in Buckley as they prepared to delight crowds in the town when they pitch up on Chester Road for 11 days from Sunday.

But the troupe wanted to reach out to members of society that would not be able to make it to the circus tent to see Peter Jolly’s Circus.

As well as Pablo the llama, the home’s older residents were entertained by clowns and jugglers during the visit.

And 104-year-old Mona Hazell was especially delighted to meet the circus’ furry friend.

Care home manager Lynne Hughes said: “Residents did enjoy the visit. It was a lovely surprise and some of the residents were quite delighted to see the llama coming to see them.

“The clowns were juggling and it was something different for residents to see.”

Peter Jolly’s Circus claims to be the longest running show on the road today, celebrating 43 consecutive years with about 30 staff and 100 animals.

Anthony Beckwith, press officer for the circus, who has also spent time in the ring as a clown and worked with some of the animals, said: “We like to actively involve ourselves with the local communities we visit.

“Sometimes we go into schools to show off some of the acts, but this time we decided to visit the Lexham Green Care Home.

“Many people aren’t able to visit the circus so we decided to take it to them instead. It was nice to do and the residents seemed to enjoy us being there for a bit.

“They remembered some of the huge old-school, traditional circuses so hopefully we helped to bring back some memories. It was brilliant.”

Peter Jolley’s Circus attractions include wire walking, acrobats, foot juggling and slapstick comedy classics from resident clown Bobo along with lions, tigers, camels and Pablo the llam,a who caused such a stir among residents at Lexham Nursing Home.